Simon Lee is the Reform UK prospective candidate for Sevenoaks. We spoke with Simon about his decision to stand.
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Simon Lee and I have been living in Sevenoaks for 11 years now and a frequent visitor to the town before becoming a resident. I am a veteran high performance coach and therapist of over 30 years for children and adults. I have recently written a book called ‘The Courage Project: The Counter Poise To Fear,’ which is a powerful call to courage for men to take responsibility for their society. I am publishing two more books this year. I have three children and it is being a father and my rewarding work with other children, that has led me into the political arena to secure a more safe and freer future for them. Reform U.K. seemed the only real choice for me, due to its complete separation from the authoritarian organisations seeking to impose their control over the countries of Europe and beyond.
You’re the Spokesman for Sevenoakswhat’s made you decide to represent this area?
Sevenoaks has been a Conservative stronghold for many years but recently the Lib Dem’s won all but one seat in the area. Having spoken to many people in the area, there is a great concern from the young people about the ideologies drifting into schools, the madness of WOKE culture and the looming threat of organisations like the WEF. This appears to be the crossover of concern that both the young and the older generations agree on. There is a general disillusionment with politics in Sevenoaks which is representative of the similar outlook, that has understandable spread throughout the U.K.
I feel it is vital that Sevenoaks and indeed all constituency’s realise that the mainstream parties are all aligned with the likes of the WHO and the WEF who want to remove people’s sovereignty. This is where unwanted policies like digital IDs, Net Zero, 15-minute neighbourhoods, ULEZ and other plans, designed to remove personal freedoms are originating from.
It is now obvious that we don’t have leaders in power but managers, who are compliant and serving the needs of those in power above them.
If more people realised what this meant to themselves and their children, I believe they would mostly stay clear of such policies and the parties that represent them. The mainstream parties have always encouraged people not to waste their vote and we are now in a situation where voting a mainstream party is the real wasted vote, because we will end up with the organisations they serve in power. This will be at the expense and to the detriment of the British people they are supposed to serve. I am totally against the current coercive, manipulative and forceful government approach and believe true leadership is to earn and represent the trust and will of the people.
Ultimately I will champion looking after the needy and vulnerable in my society and encouraging responsibility for everyone, to protect and nurture the community against any harmful influences and help those in difficult circumstances.
For those eager to help and how can they get involved in the campaign?
Kevan Chippindall-Higgin is the Reform UK prospective candidate for Fareham and Waterlooville. We spoke with Kevan about his decision to stand.
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
I was a Conservative Party member until 2014 when I had a problem locally and none of the Conservative councillors, two of whom I knew personally, even bothered to reply to my mail, never mind do anything about it. I was by then becoming disillusioned with the way the country was going and joined UKIP.
I have worked in a number of disparate industries and represented companies both here and abroad. I speak French and German.
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?
UKIP imploded post Brexit and again, when we had quite serious, internal local problems, nothing was done. UKIP is now irrelevant.
I stood for UKIP in Portsmouth South in 2017 but like so many others, believed in Boris Johnson to stop the rot over Brexit and did nothing in 2019. That was a big mistake, but then even Nigel Farage was taken in by Boris.
Now we are faced with ruin as the direct result of 25 years of socialism. The national debt is nearly the size of our GDP and has trebled in just 13 years. That is profligacy on an epic scale.
You’re the Spokesman for Fareham and Waterloovillewhat’s made you decide to represent this area?
I live in Portsmouth and feel very strongly that an MP needs to live within the community represented. Fareham is right next door and a 20-minute drive away. While not actually living in the constituency, being that close is good enough.
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
The issues facing Fareham and Waterlooville are the same as many other places. Soaring costs, moribund wages and ever worsening services to name but a few. Our burgeoning population cannot now be properly serviced. I have seen estimates of some 2 million people living here illegally, on top of the 750,000 who turned up legally in 2022. The people arriving here illegally by boat are costing us a fortune and we have no idea who they are.
The very first thing we need to look at are those here illegally. They impose an intolerable strain on the nation’s resources. Those coming over by boat must be stopped mid Channel. Those who have failed the asylum process must be sent back.
The next big issue is climate change. This is simply not happening. Were the climate changing, we would be growing peaches and oranges in Hampshire. We do not. CO2 has been conclusively shown to increase AFTER warming. CO2 makes up 0.042% of atmospheric gas and is a thus a trace gas. CO2 is essential to life on earth as it is plant food. Without plants, all that can survive on Earth would be bacteria.
Pollution is a different issue and certainly, road pollution has been dramatically reduced to virtually vanishing point. To put this in context, Portsmouth has a clean air zone, but not in areas of rush hour congestion but rather downwind of the harbour entrance. Maritime engines have nothing like the emissions controls of terrestrial engines and the result is that the southwestern corner of Portsea Island has all the pollution. It has nothing to do with motor vehicles.
Very simply, the Climate Change Act must be repealed, and work started immediately on extracting nature’s treasure from beneath our feet in order to become as energy self-sufficient as possible.
Law and order is now a complete farce. The Human Rights Act needs to go so that we can deport those here illegally and foreign criminals as quickly as possible. We need to de-politicise the police, which means getting rid of Police and Crime Commissioners for a start. Closing Bramshill (The Police Staff College) should also be a priority and quite possibly clearing out most of the senior officers and cancelling senior fast track recruiting. It did not work in Trenchard’s day (Hugh Trenchard Metropolitan Police Commissioner from 1931 to 1935) and it is not working now.
The police must impartially uphold the law. This means arresting those who shout hateful slogans against Islam as well those doing the same against Jews. If that means mobilising every copper in the land to break up and deal with hate demos, so be it. We also need proper sentencing, not the nonsense we have now. Get caught stealing and into jail you go.
We must also control public spending. The civil service is now totally bloated and an awful lot of them could be let go and nobody would notice the difference. Budgets need to be slashed everywhere. Not military or police but foreign aid and of course all the woke nonsense. Wokeism is the new fascism. Failure to toe the woke line means job loss. This is the new intolerance. Traditionally, those with differing views and unwise enough to articulate them got a kicking in the car park. Now they get cancelled. Both approaches work equally effectively, and this has been the technique of extremists through the ages.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
Colin Wright is the Reform UK prospective candidate for Wokingham. We spoke with Colin about his decision to stand.
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Colin Wright, have lived in Crowthorne/Sandhurst since 1979 and witnessed many changes and challenges throughout that time in the area. My parents worked locally in Broadmoor for many years and I am close to this area having been born in Northern Ireland. My wife was born in Wokingham and the children, David and Keelin locally at Frimley.
Career wise I have set up the European operations of many IT Software companies and spent a lot of my time over past 20 years in European countries most weeks.
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?
I guess, like many prospective Reform UK voters we have been left politically homeless by the two major parties, many of us would have been Conservatives who have appeared to have abandoned any genuine Conservative policies. Reform has a truly Conservative manifesto that I believe relates to the majority of UK voters and we need to start to breakdown the 2 party aspect that gives all of us as voters no clear view of any differentiation between the two.
The aftermath of the 2016 referendum was dismal, the first in my adult life and to see the politicians try to overturn at every opportunity saddened me that voters were treated with such disdain, whatever anyone’s thoughts of the result, democracy has to be put first.
Our current Government has squandered all goodwill, ignoring their members and voters, and presenting Labour with an open goal, but one that the normal voter won’t notice any difference, changes occur in every life and context, by having true competition from other more current support political topics can the electorate truly be reflected in a changing UK.
I’m a huge supporter of change in every context, that old saying of “doing things same way for years and expecting different results” spurs me on and seems so apt to our current UK Governing parties.
You’re the Spokesman for Wokinghamwhat’s made you decide to represent this area?
It’s an area I have spent most of my adult life in and around, both work and pleasure, an area that has changed hugely and as a strong Conservative base it would perhaps be an area that feels let down by the Government. In John Redwood the area does have a true Conservative MP, one that looks very isolated in the current party? If we could achieve a point where we elect One, Two, Three MPs then with stamina and momentum/energy we can really start to make inroads to affect positive change and momentum.
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
Wokingham is an affluent area, there is no argument to that and perhaps a little stronger than many other areas, however the issues that are important will be identified by the electorate. I would never presume to know every issue of the Town and area, but would give 100% time and commitment to assist with the most compelling and identified electorate issues that arise, giving a voice to every single person who needs it, or wants it.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
Rory O’Brien is the Reform UK prospective candidate for Spelthorne. We spoke with Rory about his decision to stand.
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
I was born in Sligo, Eire to Anglo-Irish parents, and settled in the UK in the late 1970’s. Growing up and schooled in South Harrow, North-West London, in a loving single-parent household with two older siblings.
I’ve been lucky to work and experience many sectors over the years including hospitality, property, accounting and project management. My career has now evolved to become an Agile Coach for an Integrated Energy Company, supporting project teams to improve their collaboration and outcomes.
I moved to the Spelthorne area in 2007, initially living in Ashford Common and now living in Sunbury, with my wife Sandra and two children.
What made you stand for Reform UK?
My first involvement in politics was as part of the grass-roots campaign team, for the Brexit Party in Spelthorne, in the lead up to the 2019 General Election. Spelthorne has long been a Conservative stronghold and the decision to stand down Brexit Party candidates in Tory held seats, left me feeling politically homeless in the 2019 General election. Unable to align myself with any of the “remaining” candidates on the ballot paper, I jokingly promised then to stand myself as an Independent in the next election. As exercising your right to vote is fundamental, “The vote is precious. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democratic society, and we must use it.” (John Lewis, late civil rights activist), and I’d at least have a candidate I could align with.
However, it was the draconian measures of Covid 19 lockdowns and the dangerous groupthink emanating from All parties in Westminster, that spurred me into direct action. Firstly, standing for Sunbury Common & Ashford Common in the 2021 Surrey County Council elections, with a 4% share of votes. Subsequently, for Sunbury Common in the 2022 by-election for Spelthorne Council, with a 7% share of votes. And most recently, in the 2023 Local Election for Sunbury Common, with a continued increase to 11% share of votes.
You’re the Spokesperson for Spelthorne, what’s made you decide to represent this area?
I had hoped things would’ve improved but having looked deeper into our malfunctioning institutions and processes, my only conclusion is reforms are essential.
I attended a meeting of the ‘Back Heathrow’ campaign at the Spelthorne Council offices in 2023, also in attendance and support was our current Conservative MP, Kwasi Kwarteng.
During this meeting, the ‘Back Heathrow’ team shared a summary of the last 20 years, since decisions were made to expand Heathrow in 2001, with their aims to increase the number of flights, creating more jobs, boosting the UK’s economy and maintaining Heathrow’s stance as a hub airport against European competition.
In January 2009, the Labour Government backed Heathrow’s expansion. However, by May 2010 with the incoming coalition Government of Conservatives-Liberal Democrats, (including the assumption to office for Spelthorne of, Kwasi Kwarteng) the expansion was cancelled. By his own admissions, Mr. Kwarteng confirmed scrapping the expansion plans of Heathrow was an identifiable divergence between Labour and Conservative policies, irrespective of the benefits to the UK.
By comparison in 2005, Germany saw the major capital expenditure project to expand Frankfurt International Airport begin. Which included an additional fourth runway and third passenger terminal, a project that garnered support across the Bundestag (German Parliament).
How was it possible for Germany to deliver the benefits of such a major project and the UK still unable to place a shovel in the ground? Although Frankfurt airports expansion wasn’t uncontested (with regular protests from opposition groups). It was ultimately through consensus of the major political parties collaborating. This was aided through the Germans use of AMS (Additional Members System) of Proportional Representation (PR), resulting in less combative and more collaborative, coalition government rule.
When I put the question to Kwasi Kwarteng, how the UK’s FPTP (First Past the Post) system fails the UK with passing major, multi-decade infrastructure projects. In typical deflecting, self-preservation style, the response was for opposition parties to join his newfound supportive stance of, backing the Heathrow expansion plan.
When I look back to Nick Clegg’s speech in 2010, dismissing any nuclear power expansion program as benefits of additional capacity wouldn’t be realised until 2021. The un-mitigating disaster of HS2 and nonchalance from the UK Government on the closures of the Rough Gas storage facility. These may all have elements of hindsight; However, the short-termism of government and its decision-making process, have also had significant impacts.
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
As alluded to already, Heathrow airport is a huge primary and secondary provider of jobs and opportunities for the area.
However, the continued anti-driver rhetoric and cash cow policies of ULEZ expansions to include Heathrow airport, have a direct impact on small and medium sized enterprises in the constituency. Spelthorne borders the three London Boroughs of Hounslow, Richmond upon Thames and Kingston upon Thames, impacting it’s residents and businesses alike.
Primarily the big concerns are focused on the National level, as these filter down and impact locally. You should always watch what a politician does and not be distracted by what they say. The ULEZ expansion plan was triggered by Grant Shapps, (then Transport Secretary) in a memo to the Mayor’s Office, as a condition for further financial support to TfL. Hence, we hear dissent from the Conservatives regarding ULEZ expansion, but see no actions taken.
The UK Energy Bill 2023 was passed with the worrying additional clauses for provisions of fines up to £15,000, or 12-months imprisonment for failures of home owners to meet energy performance regulations, and granting public functions enforcement rights to enter properties, under such energy performance regulations. With clear government overstep, one would’ve hoped for some level of opposition from the other benches. The Bill passed largely unopposed (280 for – 19 against), with Labour MP’s abstaining from the vote.
I’m standing for Reform UK because I’ve had enough of the mediocre representation and duopoly of politics, that has led us to where we are today. Firmly believing in a return to the values of ‘small government’, providing over-sight whilst promoting free expression, freedom of movement, freedom of choice, and free-market principles.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
If you are fed up too, please get involved, join us, volunteer and help us campaign.
Tony Glover is the Reform UK prospective candidate for Poplar and Limehouse. We spoke with Tony about his decision to stand.
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Tony Glover. I originally worked at the heart of government for the Leader of the House of Lords and the House of Commons Chief Whip. I then worked in public affairs and policy in the energy industry. I am now semi retired running a property company.
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?
One of my roles in government was ensuring EU legislation passed into law. This showed me the profoundly undemocratic nature of the EU. This view was reinforced in my time in the energy industry where I worked regularly in the EU Parliament and Commission, sitting on various EU wide bodies. I strongly believe in Brexit but the Tories have failed to deliver the benefits. They have also failed on the economy, taxation, pursuing unnecessary lockdowns out of panic and have lost control of our borders and immigration policy.
My work in the energy sector included representing the gas grid companies. The disastrous Tory Net Zero policy will make us poorer and lower our quality of life. It is a step backwards that will see us forced to give up our cars and rip out our gas boilers. It is madness. Reform UK recognise this and would bin the policy.
Reform UK offer an alternative that better represents the Conservative Party that I first joined in 1983.
“wanted to fight Poplar and Limehouse because the sitting MP Apsama Begum represents everything that is wrong with politics”
You’re the Spokesman for Poplar and Limehouse what’s made you decide to represent this area?
The area encompasses the Isle of Dogs. It is a place of contrasts. The gleaming towers of Canary Wharf sit alongside large post war council estates. It has a large river frontage and a great maritime history. I was born in Bethnal Green where I now live but wanted to fight Poplar and Limehouse because the sitting MP Apsama Begum represents everything that is wrong with politics. Her views on Hamas and her exploitation of race politics are repellent to me. I am keen to hold her to account and know whoever the Tories pick will not call her out for her despicable views.
“the expansion of the adjacent Congestion Zone into the weekend is causing more traffic problems and therefore pollution whilst costing many in a time of a cost of living crisis. We will bin these policies enabled by the Tories and implemented by Labour”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
Bringing our community together is vital. Ensuring sustainable immigration and social cohesion are also essential. The demands on our services and infrastructure in a very dense urban environment are at breaking point. Coupled with uncontrolled development we have a recipe for disaster. Our borough is incompetently run with rubbish uncollected, roads unmaintained and the flags of Palestine on all the lamp posts. The sitting MP is close to the Mayor of Tower Hamlets who is a force for bad in our area.
The disastrous impact of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and unnecessary 20 mph controls coupled with the expansion of the adjacent Congestion Zone into the weekend is causing more traffic problems and therefore pollution whilst costing many in a time of a cost of living crisis. We will bin these policies enabled by the Tories and implemented by Labour.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
Reform are growing across London as people become sick and tired of failed policies imposed from above. Please join us to defeat the Tories in Westminster and elect Howard Cox our London Mayoral candidate and Reform London Assembly candidates including myself next May.
Councillor Lucian Fernando is the Reform UK prospective candidate for Hastings and Rye. We spoke with Lucian about his decision to stand.
“As a person of faith, my Christian values play a significant role in shaping my perspective and guiding my actions. I believe in the power of community, compassion, and collaboration”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m Lucian Fernando, and I am honoured to be the Hastings and Rye prospective parliamentary candidate for the upcoming elections. Currently serving as a dedicated councillor for Silverhill in the Hastings Borough Council, my journey into politics is deeply rooted in a commitment to community service.
Before entering the political arena, I dedicated my time to public service as a volunteer in the British Army Cadet Force and the Metropolitan Police Force. My passion for aiding those in need led me to volunteer as an NHS first responder during the challenging times of the COVID pandemic.
I take pride in being a community-minded individual, actively involved in various volunteer activities across different organizations. My commitment to helping people stems from a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those around me.
As a person of faith, my Christian values play a significant role in shaping my perspective and guiding my actions. I believe in the power of community, compassion, and collaboration.
I am humbled to share that, recognising my contributions to the community, I have been bestowed with the prestigious Freedom of the City of London after receiving two kind nominations for my volunteer service in the capital.
I am eager to bring this spirit of service, dedication, and community focus to the parliamentary role, advocating for the needs and aspirations of our wonderful community in Hastings and Rye.
“I’ve witnessed first-hand the transformative impact of policies that prioritise the needs of the people and foster an environment of growth and opportunity”
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?
I believe in the power of change and the need for a fresh perspective on our political landscape. Reform UK resonates with my vision for a dynamic, responsive, and accountable government that places the interests of the people at its core. As you can see these days, the right-wing conservative party is moving towards the left. There is no actual conservatism in the Conservative Party. They forget working-class conservatives and Further, they forgot British values.
The Reform UK party’s commitment to individual freedoms, economic innovation, and a streamlined government aligns with my values and aspirations for our community. I’ve witnessed first-hand the transformative impact of policies that prioritise the needs of the people and foster an environment of growth and opportunity.
Moreover, Reform UK’s emphasis on community engagement and grassroots democracy reflects my own dedication to building connections within our constituency. It’s time for a political system that listens, responds, and works collaboratively to address the challenges we face.
I am inspired by Reform UK’s mission to bring about positive change, and I am eager to contribute my skills, experiences, and passion to serve the people of Hastings and Rye. Together, we can create a future that reflects the aspirations and concerns of our vibrant community.
“Having served as an elected councillor in the Hastings Borough Council, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the resilience, diversity, and spirit of the people here”
You’re the spokesperson for Hastings and Rye. What made you decide to represent this area?
Representing Hastings and Rye is not just a political choice for me; it’s a personal commitment rooted in a deep connection to this remarkable community. Having served as an elected councillor in the Hastings Borough Council, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the resilience, diversity, and spirit of the people here. Currently, Hastings is going through lots of problems, such as housing and a lack of financial help from the national conservative government. Due to a lack of funding, Hastings Borough Council is close to Section 114. Hastings needs good representation to tackle these issues. The current Conservative MP doesn’t care about it.
This area is not just a constituency on the map; it’s a home I’m proud to be a part of. Hastings and Rye are rich in history, culture, and, most importantly, their people. The challenges and aspirations of our community are not distant concerns but shared experiences that I understand and empathise with.
My decision to be the spokesperson for Hastings and Rye stems from a genuine belief in the potential of this community. I am driven by a passion to contribute to its growth, address its concerns, and champion its unique character on a broader stage.
As an elected councillor, I’ve worked closely with residents, listened to their voices, and learned about the issues that matter most to them. This firsthand experience has fueled my commitment to represent Hastings and Rye, advocating for policies and initiatives that genuinely improve the lives of our neighbours and enhance the overall well-being of our community.
In essence, my decision to represent this area is a reflection of my deep-rooted belief in the power of community-driven change, and I am honoured to be the spokesperson for the wonderful people of Hastings and Rye.
“the fishing industry is integral to our identity and economy. I am dedicated to supporting policies that sustain and grow our fisheries, ensuring fair practices, and safeguarding the livelihoods of those involved in this vital sector”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency, and what issues do you hope to champion?
Hastings and Rye is a vibrant and diverse constituency with a tapestry of concerns that deserve our attention. As both a prospective parliamentary candidate and an elected councillor in the Hastings Borough Council, I’ve had the privilege of engaging with our community, understanding its pulse, and identifying key areas that need dedicated focus.
Boosting Our Local Economy: One of the primary concerns is the economic vitality of our region. I am committed to championing policies that promote entrepreneurship, attract investment, and support local businesses. By fostering economic growth, we can create job opportunities and ensure a thriving community.
Infrastructure Development: Our infrastructure is the backbone of our community. I aim to advocate for strategic investments in infrastructure, including transportation and digital connectivity. This will not only enhance our connectivity within the constituency but also contribute to our broader economic development.
Fisheries: Given our coastal location, the fishing industry is integral to our identity and economy. I am dedicated to supporting policies that sustain and grow our fisheries, ensuring fair practices, and safeguarding the livelihoods of those involved in this vital sector.
Housing: Affordable and quality housing is a pressing concern for many residents. I will work towards policies that address the housing needs of our community, promoting sustainable development while ensuring housing remains accessible to all.
Quality Healthcare: Accessible and high-quality healthcare is fundamental to our well-being. I will champion initiatives that strengthen our local healthcare services, ensuring residents have access to the medical care they deserve.
Education: A strong educational foundation is key to the future success of our community. I will advocate for increased investment in education, supporting schools, and providing opportunities for skill development and lifelong learning.
Preserving Our Natural Environment: Our natural environment is a treasure that must be preserved for future generations. I will champion environmentally conscious policies, supporting initiatives that protect our green spaces.
Addressing these concerns requires a collaborative effort, and I am committed to working with the community, stakeholders, and fellow representatives to create a Hastings and Rye that thrives in every aspect.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
I’m thrilled by the enthusiasm of individuals who want to be a part of our campaign for positive change in Hastings and Rye. Your support is invaluable, and there are several ways to get involved:
Volunteer with Us: We welcome volunteers with open arms. Whether you’re interested in canvassing, organising events, or helping with administrative tasks, your skills and time are crucial to our success.
Spread the word: social media is a powerful tool. Follow us on Facebook at Reform UK Hastings and Rye, and share our posts. Engage with your network, and let’s create a buzz together.
Join our mailing list: Stay informed about campaign updates, events, and ways to get involved by joining our mailing list. Email us at [email protected] to subscribe.
Connect with us: Reach out to me, at [email protected], for more details on how you can contribute and be a vital part of our team.
Your support is the backbone of this campaign, and together, we can make a real difference. I am deeply grateful for the passion and commitment of individuals like you who are eager to contribute to the betterment of our community.
Simon Keats is the Reform UK prospective candidate for Dorking and Horley. We spoke with Simon about his decision to stand.
“I’m amazed by Government and civil service stagnation and detachment from the people.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Simon Keats, I have lived in the South of England all my life. Worked for the Met Police as a photographer for 14yrs and now a freelance photographer and video producer. I try and get involved in local groups around where I now live in Dorking time permitting. Always been interested in news and current affairs. Genuinely want to help local people and younger people in the area.
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?
I wanted to stand for Reform as I’m amazed by Government and civil service stagnation and detachment from the people.
“I want to represent my neighbours of this new constituency”
You’re the Spokesman for Dorking and Horleywhat’s made you decide to represent this area?
I have the privilege of living in Dorking and Horley, and I want to represent my neighbours of this new constituency.
“Reform UK priorities of Lower Taxes and Cheaper Energy will directly assist people with the cost of living crisis”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
When I speak to people the two big concerns that keep coming up are housing and the cost of living. Reform UK priorities of Lower Taxes and Cheaper Energy will directly assist people with the cost of living crisis, and by implementing Net zero immigration we will reduce pressure on affordable housing and public services.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
Stephen Mcnamara is the Reform UK prospective candidate for Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke. We spoke with Stephen last year in his role as a political advisor, below we speak to him about his candidacy.
“for several years now, usually working behind the scenes to recruit potential candidates into the world of politics. For that, I probably owe the world an apology…”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m a long-distance luxury coach driver during my working week, but the Stephen McNamara known more publicly has been politically active for several years now, usually working behind the scenes to recruit potential candidates into the world of politics. For that, I probably owe the world an apology…
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?
I felt politically homeless for a period there. I helped a few independents and a new group for about a year or so, but I had been approached on a few occasions to join reform. I was reluctant at first as I knew what happened in the run up to the 2019 General Election and I was sceptical that this would be another repeat of that. I didn’t want to waste my time if that was the plan.
Over the following weeks and months, I sought reassurance from the main party leadership, and they assured me that the plan was to oust the incumbent party from government ultimately seek to replace them as one of the mainstream viable options for voters.
The Scottish organiser and colleagues made me feel quite welcome since joining and encouraged me to go through the internal vetting process. I’ve been approved now as a prospective candidate and now planning my election campaign to reach out to as many people as possible.
“labour and the SNP are just as bad and that to effect real change it means voting for something new. There’s no bigger proverbial insult to the Tories than voting for Reform!”
You’re the Spokesperson for Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke what’s made you decide to represent this area?
This is where I’m based for my other day job. My youngest daughter was born in Wishaw when I used to stay in Motherwell, and I know the area reasonably well. I also know there’s still a harbouring hatred of the Tories in the area, but I hope to be able to help these same people understand that labour and the SNP are just as bad and that to effect real change it means voting for something new. There’s no bigger proverbial insult to the Tories than voting for Reform!
“Unemployment is quite possibly the biggest issue for many people here. Tory policies from the 80’s are still being felt some 40 years later. The previous Labour government was so incompetent that they just made things worse”
What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?
Unemployment is quite possibly the biggest issue for many people here. Tory policies from the 80’s are still being felt some 40 years later. The previous Labour government was so incompetent that they just made things worse with their constant interference in the economy. With the government switching back to Conservative and now possibly looking like another Labour government again, the people of this constituency are simply being played like a ball in a game of tennis, smacked around the political court with no hope of winning. That’s where Reform come in. Get rid of the incompetent two and move this democracy forward once more.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
In Scotland especially, we still have a lot of ground to cover. I’m only one man after all so I cannot get around to speaking and meeting everyone. Reform is that breath of fresh air needed to revitalise the country’s stale economic outlook. Join the growing list of members who are frustrated with the status quo and help in any way that you can. You can also follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/StephenMcLbrtrn or find Reform UK at https://www.reformparty.uk/.
“I voted to stay in the EU in 1975 but two years later came to the conclusion it was a huge mistake. I thought it would be a trading organisation but soon discovered it had a political agenda”
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Tony Love and I live in Felixstowe, next to Ipswich, with my long term partner. I have three children
I voted to stay in the EU in 1975, but two years later came to the conclusion that it was a huge mistake. I thought it would be a trading organisation, but soon discovered it had a political agenda; the breakdown of the nation state and their borders, which would lead to the breakdown of our cultural identities and eventually our communities. It is true that for the next forty years I bored everybody I met trying to explain why we should leave.
I was a bookmaker for thirty years on the Surrey/Hampshire borders. On the night of the Referendum I sat down to watch David Dimbleby, expecting that we would vote to stay in the EU. Forty years and I would now have to shut up! The good news is we voted to leave, the bad news is it cost me £10,000 in my betting shops, paying out on bets taken that day to Leave at 9/1.
“The biggest ever infringement of our civil liberties occurred during the Covid Lockdown with the Labour Party wanting to be more draconian than the Government”
What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?
I watched the lunacy in the House of Commons as the politicians strove to overthrow the biggest ever constitutional vote ever in our country. I watched as John Bercow attempted a coup of our Parliament. My partner kept telling me to stop moaning and do something about it if I felt so passionately, so I did, I was the candidate for the Brexit Party in Suffolk Coastal in the 2019 election. Nigel Farage then stood us down to assist Boris Johnson who promised to achieve Brexit, but I had made too many promises that I would stand and so continued as an Independent.
The biggest ever infringement of our civil liberties occurred during the Covid Lockdown with the Labour Party wanting to be more draconian than the Government. The vile coercion used by Parliament to make us comply, let alone the restriction on freedom of speech, travel, familial relations etc. beggared belief.
I have also watched this Conservative Government lie barefaced about its promises to keep immigration in the tens of thousands. They have been complicit in the cultural destruction of our cities and towns by allowing huge numbers to legally enter our country, over 600,000 net last year. Illegal immigration last year was 52,000 and that was only those we know about.
The people of Ipswich have lost cultural identity, their community, and their town, with many feeling intimidated in the town centre and most certainly in the evenings. The town is dying, shoplifting by gangs and individuals is rampant, businesses are leaving, and the police are ineffective.
“We are against Net Zero, 15-minute neighbourhoods and ULEZ which are being imposed against majority opinion. We intend to be the voice of the silent majority”
Richard Tice, the party leader of Reform, has financially enabled the Party to survive these past four years, and it now stands alone in offering a real option to those who feel disenfranchised. I was not going to be politically involved again as I felt I had done my bit, but the so very sad situation in this country has changed my mind. I have decided to stand up for the people of Ipswich in my neighbouring constituency.
The Reform party is beginning to gain traction. We are not against migration as we are a nation that has always welcomed and then benefited from migration. But we are against unfettered migration, and most certainly illegal migration. We are for the principles of democracy that our present political incumbents think they can ignore. We are for the rights of the individual, which are being obliterated by international organisations. We are against Net Zero, 15-minute neighbourhoods and ULEZ, which are being imposed against majority opinion. We intend to be the voice of the silent majority, the people who know something has gone badly wrong and need someone to vote for.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
At a local level Reform Ipswich can be contacted through our website – reformukipswich.com, and followed on Twitter.
At a national level Reform can be contacted through our website – reform party.uk.